Philip G. Lafferty

Philip G. Lafferty, 83, of Lancaster passed away Saturday, June 2nd at ManorCare Health Services. He was the husband of the late Joan Helen Lafferty. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Philip G. and Catherine McMinnimen Lafferty.

He graduated from Philadelphia West Catholic High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Korea, and later worked as a customer engineer for IBM from where he retired in 1995. Philip was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and simply being on the water, the beach, watching Notre Dame Football and spending time with his family. He was also an avid fan of all Philadelphia sports teams. He was a proud member of the American Legion, former President of the American Order of Otters, as well as the AmVets.

Surviving are his 7 sons; Philip G., of Mount Joy, Patrick M., Andrew W., husband of Justina M., Kevin A., Joseph T. and Martin E., all of Lancaster, and Vincent D., husband of Audrey L., of Denver; 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are 2 sisters; Christine Jaskowiak and Catherine Holveack. He was predeceased by a brother John Lafferty.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 7th, 2012 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 with the Rev. Michael E. Messner as Celebrant. A viewing will take place 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

Yesterday I heard of Mr. Phil’s passing. I wanted to write something but I didn’t know where to start. Every time I start it just breaks my heart. I first knew Phil as Mr. Lafferty, the dad of my friends. I grew to know him as Phil, a dear friend and a bit of a dad to me as well. We spent countless summers on the beach; talking, laughing and sharing stories of our lives, how they twisted and how they brought us to a common place. Our conversations would inevitably turn to his boys, how proud of them he was and how he loved them all. In turn I would reflect on how proud I was to know them and how I loved them as well. I will miss Phil dearly. I can only pray that his sons and friends take solace in knowing that he touched so many lives and made them better. I know that I am a better person for having known him. May God keep his family safe and may their sadness be replaced by good thoughts of a good man. I love you Phil and may you rest in peace. Your devoted friend… Roddy

Sorry that I could not have been there in person. However, I was there in thoughts and prayers. I have to agree with Susan in that your dad and mine are now together causing havoc in the universe. They were (are) the ultimate pranksters. Even though he is physically gone, he will never really be gone so long as you have the memories.

To all of Phil’s boys from Reynolds Jr. High, I was saddened to read of your dad’s untimely death. I hold dear so many memories of the Lafferty boys during our formative years at Reynolds. Please know I share in your sorrow and will keep you in my thoughts in the coming weeks. Mr. Fitz